February 6, 1925 - June 13, 2020
Ann Brandes, 95, of Cedarbrook Manor in Mission, passed away June 13th at Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
Ann was born in Ooltgensplaat, the Netherlands February 6, 1925. She married the late Bill Brandes in 1949. They were married for 50 years spending most of that time in Abbotsford.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Tina and son-in-law Scott, their children Trevor (Kate) and Lindsay (Greg), and four great grandchildren; Thomas, Kamryn, Charlie and Benji. She also leaves behind her sister Bep in Holland and many nieces and nephews. Ann was predeceased by her husband, Bill in 2001.
Mom was a woman of many talents. She was a skilled seamstress and excelled at handicrafts of all kinds. As the daughter of a baker her bread, buns, loaves and cookies were shared not only with her family but her neighbours and friends. Mom loved entertaining her many friends over a cup of tea or coffee and some of her delicious baking.
Her years married to Bill were amongst the best of her life. Through the years they frequently traveled to Holland and stayed very closely connected to the family there. Upon retiring they spent winters in California, golfing, playing bridge and enjoying the sunshine with their many Snowbird friends.
In spite of the sadness that she experienced with the loss of Dad, she was able to find joy in the remaining years. Mom continued to play bridge and until recently was an active member of the Abbotsford Hospital Auxiliary. She was able to attend both grandchildren's weddings and was present for the arrival of each of her great-grandchildren born on the Island. She loved them all dearly and took such pride in them. Mom managed to stay at their family home for 50 years and moved to Cedarbrook Retirement residence a short while ago.
These past few months while dealing with the covid-19 crisis mom was quarantined in her suite for 28 days. She accepted the decision without complaint realizing that this was for her and other residents' safety. She showed her resolve and resilience by knitting socks, riding her stationary bike in her bedroom and learning how to Face Time on her newly acquired I Pad. She embraced this new technology with enthusiasm and was able to stay connected with her family.
We are so thankful for the rich and healthy life that she lead. She was only ill for a very short time and was very alert to the end. She was able to say her goodbyes to her immediate family for which we are so grateful.
Our family wishes to say a very special thank you to all the nurses and doctors that cared for her through her short illness from the emergency nurses at Mission Memorial, to the cardiac care at RCH and the cardiac nurses and doctors at ARH.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Mom's honour to the Abbotsford Hospital Auxiliary or Archway Community Services.